As part of Engineer's Week, February 19th to 25th, a number of local engineering organizations visited area schools to promote the engineering profession. "Our goal is to put engineering and technology careers in front of young students" says John Garner, Western Branch President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. "Interacting with middle school students is always a lot of fun and their interest in what we do is amazing." Local engineers visited Enka, Erwin, Asheville, Cane Creek and Valley Springs Middle Schools during Engineer's Week. Student interacted with the engineering professionals from the community and participated in hands-on mini design projects. "To encourage students into the engineering field, it's important that not only math and science stressed at an early age", says Nathan Eplin, Past President of Western Carolina Chapter of Professional Engineers of North Carolina, "but emphasizing imagination and creative thinking to solve problems is a fun way to foster the next generation of engineers."

Engineer's Week celebrates the positive contributions engineers make to society and is a catalyst for outreach across the country to kids and adults alike. Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), it is among the oldest ofAmerica's professional outreach efforts. Thanks to the engineers from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) and Engineers Without Borders (EWB) for being involved in this important event.